Food blending apparatus

ABSTRACT

A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container ( 30 ) with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender ( 35 ) which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening ( 31 ) of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.

[0001] This invention relates to food blending apparatus and to a methodof blending food within a container. The invention has particularapplication to milk shakes but can be used with other food productswhich need to be blended, particularly those which need to be dispensedready for consumption in retail premises.

[0002] Hitherto milk shakes have been produced by manually placing icecream, milk and flavouring into a blender jug into which a blender isinserted to produce the blended milk shake. The milk shake is thenpoured into a receptacle from which the customer consumes the product.The blender jug then has to be cleaned and sanitised for re-use.However, in the present fast food market there is a demand for a bettersystem for producing milk shakes taking account of health regulations,labour costs, waste, product quality and the level of skill of theoperator. Current milk shake systems provide for improved pasteurisationbut such systems are more expensive and more complicated. Moreover someof such systems are limited in the flavours which can be produced.

[0003] An object of this invention is to provide food blending apparatusand a method of food blending which overcomes problems with existingsystems.

[0004] According to the invention a method of dispensing blended foodproducts such as milk shakes in disposable containers having integralblending means located internally of the container, which blending meansis drivingly connectable to drive means externally of and separate fromthe container, wherein the container is made and nested with othercontainers, the container is de-nested, charged with product ingredientsat a charging location remote from a dispensing location, the containeris sealed to seal the ingredients within the container, the containerand its contents are cooled to at least a serving temperature, at thedispensing location, the blending means is releasably drivinglyconnected to said drive means, and the drive means is actuated to causethe blending means to operate and blend the ingredients within thecontainer, access is gained to the blended food product within thecontainer whereby to consume said blended product from the container,and the container is disposed of.

[0005] Preferably the container is charged with ingredients at thecharging location at which containers are de-nested from one another.

[0006] Conveniently each container has an upper open end in whichanother container is nestably locatable and, after de-nestingcontainers, the open end of the container acts to receive the productingredients, said open end being sealingly closed after charging thecontainer with said ingredients. Sealing may be by applying a heatsealed closure, by the use of a snap-on lid, or both according to thetemperature at which the filled container is to be stored andtransported.

[0007] In one arrangement the container bas a lower end in which theblending means is located and access to the blending means is sealed atsaid lower end with removable sealing means.

[0008] According to another aspect the invention provides a containerfor use in the method of the invention which comprises a nestable vesselhaving an upper opening through which food product ingredients arechargeable into the vessel, sealing means for sealing said upper openingand two or more of said vessels being constructed to be nestable whenempty by locating one inside the other through said upper opening, thecontainer having integral blending means including an impeller rotatablerelative to the container to blend said ingredients within thecontainer, location means for securing the impeller rotatably in thecontainer, drive connection means associated with the impeller andaccessible externally of the container for driving connection with drivemeans whereby the impeller is rotated, the blending means beingpermanently united with the container, and the container beingconstructed to be disposable after blending and consumption of foodproduct from the container.

[0009] Conveniently said vessel is of circular cross-section taperedtowards one end whereby to locate and nest two or more vessels insideone another, the narrower end of each vessel being insertable inside thewider upper opening of another vessel

[0010] The rotatable element and the associated coupling means may belocated on the lid or at the base of the container remote from the lid.When the rotatable element is in the lid, the container is usuallyinverted for engagement with the drive means.

[0011] If the rotatable element is located in the base of the container,the container is usually located in an upright position duringengagement of the drive means.

[0012] The drive means is conveniently incorporated into a support forthe container on which the container is located during blending ofproduct within the container, the support incorporating the drive meansand its associated prime mover. The support may be located within arefrigerated cabinet. There may be included means for feeding containersto a blending position which can be initiated by coin freed means forself service.

[0013] The blending means is arranged to cause product in the containerto be blended upon rotation thereof and is conveniently locatedcentrally of the container and has outwardly directed portions extendingfrom the axis of rotation.

[0014] According to a further aspect the invention provides foodblending apparatus comprising a container including a nestable vesselhaving an upper opening through which food product ingredients arechargeable into the vessel, sealing means for sealing said upperopening, two or more vessels being nestable within one another whenempty by locating one inside the other through said upper opening, thecontainer having integral blending means within the container includingan impeller for blending the ingredients within the container, locationmeans for securing the blending means rotatably in the container, driveconnection means associated with the impeller and accessible externallyof the container for driving connection with drive means, a mounting formounting the container and incorporating the drive means, whereby uponmounting the container on the mounting means in driving connection withthe drive means the impeller is rotatable, the mounting means providinga seating for the container during blending.

[0015] Preferably the seating has a portion shaped according to theexternal shape of the container whereby supporting the walls of thecontainer during blending.

[0016] The components of the container, its sealing member and therotatable blending element are conveniently of plastics material so thatthese components may be disposed of after the food product has beenconsumed. Moreover the container may be supplied for use containing foodproduct to be blended. Thus this enables pre-filled containers to besupplied from a source, such as a factory, already filled with productready for use by a retail outlet in a variety of food compositions andflavours, thus obviating the need for the retail outlet to store productfor filling into the containers. In addition, due to the nature of theapparatus, food product cannot come into contact with associatedapparatus before and during blending. Nevertheless the blended productis readily accessible by the user. Hygiene problems are overcome by thisapproach whilst still giving the opportunity for a wide range ofproducts to be sold.

[0017] The filled containers may be supplied with components of theproduct layered within the container in horizontal or vertical layers,the blending process bringing about the desired blended product. Ifdesired it is also possible for the product to be aerated within thecontainer in addition to a blending process. Alternatively aeration ofproduct may be achieved before feeding product into the container. As afurther option the containers may be kept cold and/or ice may be presentor introduced into the container to be incorporated into the blendedproduct.

[0018] By the provision of containers filled with product andincorporating as part of the container a rotatable blending element fullblending is obtained and there is no sanitising or hygiene problem. Thecontainer assembly can be made cost effective by the use of plasticscomponents even though the container may only be used for one serving ofproduct.

[0019] Further features of the invention will appear from the followingdescription of various embodiments of the invention given by way ofexample only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a vertical section through a food blending containerfor use with food blending apparatus, the lid part of the containerbeing shown disassembled in the upper part of FIG 1,

[0021]FIG. 2 show s the container associated with a support and drivearranged for a blending process,

[0022]FIG. 3 is a scrap vertical section showing an optional feature ofthe container of FIG. 1,

[0023]FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section through blending apparatus witha container in another embodiment,

[0024]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a closure for the container of FIG. 6,

[0025]FIG. 6 is a vertical section showing the closure of FIG. 5 on thecontainer of FIG. 4,

[0026]FIG. 7 is a vertical section through apparatus for feedingcontainers, according to FIG. 4, to blending stations,

[0027]FIGS. 8 and 9 show vertical cross-sections through a containershowing different product locations prior to blending,

[0028]FIG. 10 shows a vertical and a horizontal cross-section through acontainer showing further product locations within the container priorto blending,

[0029]FIG. 11 is a side elevation in vertical section through foodblending apparatus prior to use,

[0030]FIG. 12 is an elevation corresponding to FIG. 11 in the operativeblending position,

[0031]FIG. 13 is a side elevation in vertical section through other foodblending apparatus prior to use,

[0032]FIG. 14 is an elevation corresponding to FIG. 13 in the operativeblending position,

[0033]FIG. 15 is a vertical section through a blending container as usedin the apparatus of FIGS. 11-14,

[0034]FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-section through another embodiment ofblending container,

[0035]FIG. 17 is a plan view of the blending element of the FIG. 16embodiment,

[0036]FIG. 18 is a side view of the element of FIG. 17,

[0037]FIG. 19 shows a blending container associated with a jug,

[0038]FIG. 20 shows in cross-section the jug of FIG. 19, and

[0039]FIG. 21 shows an inverted blending container associated with ajug.

[0040] Referring to the drawings and firstly to FIG. 1 there is shown acontainer for use in blending apparatus which comprises a body portion 3consisting of a plastics vessel in the shape of a beaker having a base3A, upwardly diverging, circular cross-section side walls 3B and anupper edge 3C of the container 3 with an outwardly directed lip. Thecontainer is nestable with other containers by location of the basethrough the upper opening of another container

[0041] The container body or vessel 3 is provided with a closure member2 constituting a lid arranged to fit over the upper end of the body 3and to close the opening at the top of the body. The lid 2 is generallycircular having an outer portion 2A which fits over the upper end 3C ofthe body 3 to be sealingly engaged over the opening. This may be by aclip arrangement, by heat sealing, or by any other suitable means forsecuring the lid 2 on the body 3.

[0042] At the centre of the lid 2 is formed a rotatable blending elementor impeller 1 sealingly carried on the lid 2 but for rotation relativethereto about the axis A of the container. The blending element 1 isretained on the lid by circular retaining portions 4 formed on the lid 2which engage in corresponding circular grooves 4A formed in the member1. The retaining portions 4 are formed on an upstanding, invertedL-shaped portion 4B of the lid 2 which extends around a central opening2A formed in the lid 2. Other means may be used to obtain seals butwhich also permit relative rotation between the element 1 and itssupport.

[0043] The blending element 1 fits over the circular L-shaped member 4Bby the provision of a correspondingly shaped portion of the element 1which extends inwards over region 4C towards an integral impellerportion 4D which extends downwards into the body of the container anddefines a hollow central portion 4E shaped to be engageable by drivemeans, to be described. At the lower end of the impeller portion 4D isformed an outwardly directed impeller member 4F which, in this case, isa downwardly inclined and outwardly directed shaped member. In practicethe impeller member 4F is shaped to give the desired blending action toproduct within the product space X within the assembled containeraccording to known practice. Thus, for example, the impeller member mayhave inclined surfaces to help to generate a vortex within the productin space X, or there may be individual arms extending outwardly from theaxis with or without inclined surfaces. Alternatively the impellermember may give a gentle mixing action, in which case the impeller maycomprise a disc.

[0044] A removable diaphragm 6 may be provided on the rotatable member 1for releasable location closing the opening 4E. The purpose of thediaphragm 6 is to seal the container during transit, the diaphragm 6being removable prior to placing the assembled container with product onassociated apparatus whereby the product within the container isblended. The diaphragm may be heat sealed to the lid 2 and, instead ofremovable, it may be pierced by drive means 8 for rotating the element1.

[0045] As will be seen from FIG. 1 the lid 2 may be formed with a sealedopening through which a straw 5 may be inserted, after blending, toenable the product to be drawn out of the container with the straw. Thestraw 5 may be inserted through an existing opening or through aweakened area of the lid 2 to gain access to the product, in knownmanner. Alternatively access for the straw may be through an openingcovered by a removable diaphragm or through a moulded tube of which aclosed end may be removed for access by the straw. Alternatively the lid2, together with the associated rotatable blending element 1 isremovable, after blending, to gain access to the product within thecontainer body 3 after blending.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, the container of FIG. 1, after assemblyand with product within the container, is inverted, as shown, to effecta blending action. In FIG. 2 there is shown a housing 7 which acts as asupport for the container and which houses a drive motor (not shown)from which is directed a drive shaft 8. A stop-start switch 9 is locatedon the housing 7 to actuate the drive motor and drive shaft 8, or themotor may be started by a proximity or pressure switch operated bylocation of the container on the support.

[0047] The drive shaft 8 is arranged to drivingly engage the opening 4Eof the rotatable blending element 1 so that as the drive shaft 8 isrotated it rotates the element 1 to blend product within the container.The drive shaft 8 is located to extend from a recessed portion 10 of thehousing 7, the recessed portion receiving the rotatable element 1 forrotation with the drive shaft 8 and the upper surface of the lid 2 beingsupported on the upper surface of the housing 7 around the recess 10.The container is retained on the housing 7 by a locking tube 11 whichsurrounds the container body 3 and moves reciprocally to engage with thelip 3C of the body 3 during a blending operation.

[0048] Thus it will be seen that the container is held in position bythe tube 11 with the container seated on the housing 7, the product isblended by operation of the drive shaft 8 to rotate the element 1 andcause product within the space X to be mixed, aerated (if necessary) andblend the different components of the product thereby forming a blendedproduct in the desired manner.

[0049] After the product is blended the tube 11 is withdrawn fromengagement with the container and to permit the container to be removedfrom the housing 7 ready for use and consumption.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an optional feature of thecontainer of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this arrangement a portion of the lid 2between the member 1 and the edge of the lid is formed with a circularopening 12 from which inwardly extends a depression 13 at the lower,inward end of which is formed a closure 14 which includes weakenedportions as seen at 15 in the scrap view A of FIG. 3. The opening 12 maybe sealed by a diaphragm 16 over the upper end of the opening, thediaphragm being removable by peeling off or otherwise.

[0051] The purpose of the opening 12 in the lid 2 is to give access intothe container for a nozzle through which pressurised gas may be injectedinto the product. The nozzle (not shown) may be inserted through thebase of the opening 12 breaking the frangible or weakened areas 15 insaid base of the container or by the base being open and being normallysealed with a diaphragm at its upper end. By this means contamination ofthe nozzle is avoided or minimised. Alternatively the nozzle can sealwith the side walls of the depression 13, the pressure of the gasbreaking open the portion 14 by breaking through the weakened lines 15.The diaphragm 16 provides added security to prevent product escapingthrough the opening 12. Another opening in the lid may be provided forreleasing pressure in the container, for example if it exceeds presetlevels. An exhaust gas nozzle may be introduced through said furtheropening

[0052] It will be seen that the opening 12 is offset from the centre ofthe container but, if desired, the opening may be central with theimpeller 1 offset to one side of the axis A.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown blending apparatussimilar to that of the previous embodiment except that in this case therotatable blending element or impeller 1 is located in the base 3A ofthe container body 3. Thus the container comprises a container body orvessel 3 of similar shape to that previously described with an outwardlydirected lip 3C and a base 3A. A rotatable blending element 1 is locatedcentrally of the base 3A and is supported sealingly in relation to thebase for rotation about the axis A. The element 1 has a central body 1Ahaving a lower opening shaped to drivingly receive a shaft 8. The shaft8 is drivingly connected to a drive motor (not shown) located in ahousing 7.

[0054] The element 1 includes upwardly inclined and outwardly directedimpeller elements 1B which are arranged to cause product within thecontainer to be blended by the mixing of product within the container,sometimes by creating a vortex of product.

[0055] The body 1A is sealingly located for rotation relative to walls17 formed integrally with the base 3A and extending upwardly from adished portion 18 in which is formed an opening for gaining access tothe element 1 by the drive shaft 8. Suitable seals (not shown) areprovided for enabling the element 1 to rotate within the walls 17 whilstmaintaining a seal against the flow of product from the container.

[0056] In FIG. 4 the container is shown in a blending position in thehousing 7, the base 3A being seated on the housing. The sides of thecontainer body are, as shown, located within a correspondingly shaped,outwardly diverging receiving member 20 which may be heated.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6 the upper end of the container of FIG. 4 maybe sealed by a diaphragm 21 which is scalingly secured to the upper endof the container body by heat sealing and which may be peeled off by useof a tab 22 extending to the side of the container which, when not inuse, may be laid down the side of the container. After removal of thediaphragm 21 a lid (not shown) may be applied to the container.Alternatively the diaphragm may remain in place and a lid with aprotrusion to puncture the diaphragm may be applied to provide an inletfor a straw.

[0058] With the arrangement described in relation to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6the location of the blending element 1 in the base of the container 3may not always lend itself to accessing product within the container,especially when a spoon is to be used. In such a case the containerversion when the rotatable element is in the lid may be preferred, as inthe embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0059] Product to be blended in the container can take a variety offorms but generally consists of two or more components for example dairyfat, sugar, emulsifiers, stabilisers, milk, flavouring, ice etc. Thesecomponents may be pre-filled into the body 3 of the container at acentral location or can be filled at the place of consumption. In eithercase the component products may be layered as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and10. In FIG. 8 a two component product is illustrated in which onecomponent is located in the lower part of the body 3 and the othercomponent in the upper part. In FIG. 9 there is a similar arrangementexcept that a further component is layered onto the top of thecontainer, for example a flavour component. In the base of the containeris located another layer of component, for example particulates such asnuts. Alternatively there may be a single product in which ice may haveformed as crystals within the product. Blending can be used to breakdown the crystals into small ice particles. Moreover blending may be ofa single product of which a blended consistency is required. In somecases product does not occupy the entire container when filled to allowfor aeration and expansion of blended product in the container.

[0060] In FIG. 10 is shown another arrangement in which components arelocated within the container in vertical layers. This may be by fillingthe container from a dispenser in such a component array.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown a blending apparatus, inthis case incorporating containers of the kind shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and6. In this apparatus there is an outer housing 25 in the base of whichis located a plurality of side by side motor housings 7. In an upperstorage housing 26 is located vertical stacks of filled containers foraccess by the operator. Containers, filled with product, from thehousing 26 are released from the stacks for location on the motorhousing 7 for blending purposes and each of the stacks may havecontainers with different product formulations so that a choice of, inthis case, four different product formulations may be available forblending and dispensing.

[0062] There are various other aspects of this invention which can beadopted amongst which is that the operation of the blending action canbe timed to provide a blending action for a predetermined period, andthe operation of the locating means for the containers can also be timedto match the duration of blending.

[0063] Instead of the lid being removable for access to product, or theuse of a straw to access product, the lid nay have a portion which canbe torn off to give access to the product Moreover the lid may beremovable to insert additives into the product prior to or afterblending. For example if the apparatus were used for cocktails with analcohol content the alcohol can be added before, during or afterblending.

[0064] The containers may be filled with product and supplied to theuser without the lid being fitted to the container and with a simplepeel-off or tear-off cover. This allows the lid and associated blendingelement to be fitted at the point of sale prior to blending, or whenserving. The blending elements may be constricted to allow the elementsto be nested one inside the other to provide minimum volume duringshipping and also to permit handling on automatic machinery.

[0065] The motor housing may have more than one drive shaft extendingtherefrom to permit several containers of product to be blended at thesame time.

[0066] Instead of the arrangement of FIG. 7 other automatic feedarrangements can be used for transporting containers from a refrigeratoror freezer; the containers being moved into position onto static drivearrangements or, alternatively, the drive shafts may be mounted formovement along a linear or rotary path into position for the containers.Similarly the blended containers can be moved from a blending positionalong a conveyor or other transport means.

[0067] For efficient blending of the product its viscosity should allowa vortex to be formed inside the container whilst the product is beingblended or liquid may be added at blending. When multiple components areincluded in the product they may be deep frozen for ease of distributionand storage. The product may then be placed in a tempering cabinet, heldat a specified temperature, to warm the product up to the requiredblending temperature which may be between +5° C. and −10° C. dependenton the type of product. Once the blending temperature has been reachedinside the tempering unit the components will have differentconsistency. Thus one element may be a liquid of low viscosity to act asthe vortex catalyst during blending whilst another component containsother products and solids required in the final product. It may beadvantageous to have the low viscosity component located in thecontainer adjacent the impeller so that this liquid is in direct contactwith the rotary blending element during the blending process. A singlecomponent may be fed into the container which separates into two or morecomponents during storage and prior to a blending operation.

[0068] The components of the product can be extruded into the container,they may be fed by volume using piston and cylinders, or they may be fedby time lapse arrangements or by other means. A different fillingstation will usually be required for each component of the product andair may be introduced into the product during the processing and fillingstage. Similarly flavouring liquids can be included in the container asa separate-component at the blending stage rather than introducing theflavoured components when the container is packed. Moreover particulatecomponents may be added with low water content components to achieve thebest conditions for blending.

[0069] Addition of components may also be conducted shortly before theblending operation and these components may be introduced through anopening in the container lid, for example the opening for the straw,either manually or automatically.

[0070] The material from which the container body 3, lid 2 and rotaryelement 1 are made will usually be plastics material, preferably beingrecyclable plastics. The various parts of the container may be made byinjection or thermo moulding, and the container will be of thin walledplastics to suffice for a single use requirement and disposal after use.

[0071] The motor driving the blending operation may have means fordetecting the driving torque to ensure that the maximum torque applieddoes not exceed a pre-set level. This would ensure that where theproduct within the container is of the incorrect consistency (perhapsdue to being the wrong temperature) blending cannot occur since therotary element may be unable to withstand the forces involved. Howeverthe rotary element should be made of material which will not fracturebut will distort if overload should occur. In addition the connectionbetween the drive shaft and the rotary member may be such that, ifexcessive forces are applied, the opening in the rotary element willdistort and allow freewheeling of the drive shaft. In addition thetorque on the impeller or the current to the drive motor can be detectedto determine the viscosity of the product during blending. This enablesthe motor to operate until the blended product reaches the desiredviscosity.

[0072] The lid 2 may be heat sealed to the container body 3A to effect apermanent connection and in this case the lid may have a peel-back ortear-off portion to allow the product to be poured out of the container.This arrangement would be particularly appropriate for products such asfrozen cocktails. Moreover the product may be consumed direct from thecontainer.

[0073] The containers with at least part of the product containedtherein may be kept at ambient temperatures without the need forrefrigeration, especially if UHT products are used and the container iskept in a sterile condition. The container is kept in a sealedcondition, cooled and the seal removed for use with the possibleaddition of low temperature or other product before dispensing. The lowtemperature product may be ice, cold liquid, or both and, afterblending, a chilled or frozen dessert may be provided.

[0074] The apparatus of the invention may be used for cold or frozenproducts but can also be used for products at ambient or highertemperatures, such as hot chocolate, custard, sauces, mashed potato,tea, coffee etc. For this purpose the blending operation may beperformed in an environment in which a microwave heating facility canoperate.

[0075] Instead of the containers being filled remotely from the point ofsale, filling can take place at or close to the point at which blendingtakes place. Freeze dry components, liquids and ice can be added atpoint of sale, the lid then being fitted and the product being blendedand served to the customer. Feeding of components of product into thecontainer may be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic. When ice isused, such as crushed ice, the rotary member can break down the ice to asuitable size for the product. Moreover other cooling material such asfrozen carbon dioxide, or carbon dioxide ‘snow’ produced from liquidcarbon dioxide, can be inserted into the container for mixing andchilling the product before or during blending.

[0076] Compressed gas such as carbon dioxide may be used for chillingproduct and carbonated drinks may be produced by injecting pressurisedcarbon dioxide gas before or during blending of the product. Atemperature detector may be employed to control the amount of chillingrequired.

[0077] In the blending apparatus described thus far it is intended thatthe container, its lid and the rotary member be disposable afterblending and consumption. However a non-disposable, re-usable rotaryelement may be employed which is fitted to a lid which is applied to thecontainer during blending. The rotary element would be easily removablefrom the drive for cleaning after use and may be formed of more durablematerial, such as metal components, cleanable in dishwashing apparatus.

[0078] The motor for driving the rotary element may be powered bybatteries, the usual electricity supply or by air motor, the latterbeing from a compressed air reservoir or otherwise.

[0079] If the product to be blended needs to be heated steam injectionor hot water addition can be used.

[0080] If different sized containers are required common components canbe employed for the lid and rotary element assembly with the containerbeing of different depths. In this way the customer can be offered afull range of sizes without difficulty.

[0081] If it is desired to have chilled or partly frozen product, thecontainers with product may be kept at a low temperature such, forexample, as to form ice crystals inside the container which are thenblended with the product during the blending stage. Moreover by chillingor freezing the product close to the point of sale using suitableproduct components, the filled containers can be transported at normalambient temperatures, then chilling or freezing the product upon arrivalat point of sale.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 11-15 and firstly to FIGS. 11 and 12 thereis shown an alternative blending apparatus using containers 30 such asshown in FIG. 15.

[0083] In FIG. 15 the container 30 shown is, in common with thepreviously described container, formed of thin-walled plastics and is ofcircular cross-section tapering from its lower end upwardly so thatcontainers are nestable, one inside the other, with the lower end of onecontainer inserted into the upper open end of another container, whenempty.

[0084] The container 30 is shown with a lid 31 or other sealing memberover its open end and the lid is preferably heat sealed to the open endafter filling with product, usually filling to a position spaced fromthe lid to allow for the product to occupy the full space within thecontainer after blending. Alternatively or in addition a membrane isfitted to the open end and secured by heat sealing.

[0085] Towards the lower end of the container is a blender 32 journalledinto a base portion 33 of the container and having a shaft 34 and ablending element 35. The shaft has at its lower end means (not shown)for placing a drive shaft 37 in driving engagement with the blender 32and its associated shaft 34. Conveniently drive is through a dogengagement so that the container is placed in position for blendingwithout any twisting action being necessary to secure drivingengagement. The shaft 34 projects into an inner skirt portion the lowerend of which is usually closed during transit by a membrane heat sealedto the lower end, especially when aseptically prepared product isemployed.

[0086] Extending below the level of the base portion 33 is a skirtportion 38 projecting below the level of the shaft 34 and defining atits lower edge, a base on which the container stands.

[0087] The container 30 is intended for use with the apparatus of FIGS.11 and 12 or FIGS. 13 and 14 by which a container 30, charged withproduct, is placed on the apparatus and the product is blended forconsumption. In FIGS. 11 and 12 the apparatus comprises a mounting base40 in which is located a drive motor 41 directed upwardly from which isa drive shaft 37 for driving engagement with a shaft 34 of the blender32.

[0088] Above the base 40 is a mounting platform 43 formed with anupwardly extending seating 44 shaped to receive the container 30 as aclose fit and terminating short of the upper end of the container 30when placed in the seating. Thus for a blending operation the container30 is placed in the seating 44 whereby the drive shaft 37 is engagedwith the blender shaft 34 of the container.

[0089] Extending upwards from the base 40 is a vertical support member46 which has at its upper end a pivotable arm 47 pivoted about axis 48between the position of FIG. 11 and that of FIG. 12 which is a containeraccess position and a container secured position respectively. In thelatter position the arm 47 has been lowered to engage the upper end ofthe container 30 to secure the container for a blending operation. Thearm 47 may be powered between said positions and include a proximityswitch so that blending cannot occur unless the arm is in the containersecured position. Alternatively the arm 47 is gravity operated. In thiscase the arm 47 in the FIG. 11 position is supported by support 49, andis manually moveable about the axis 48 to lower under gravity to theFIG. 12 position. A catch or other location means (not shown) may beprovided to prevent unintended movement from the FIG. 11 position.

[0090] The base and in particular the seating 44 may have heating meanswhereby the seating 44 is heated to heat the wall of the container 30when the container is placed in the seating. Such heating may beadvantageous in obtaining adequate blending especially when productwithin the container is frozen and has a tendency to become attached tothe inner wall surface of the container.

[0091] The drive motor 41 may be a variable speed motor, such as DCmotor, to permit different operational speeds for different products.Moreover the motor may be controlled to operate for different presetperiods according to the product. These features may also be applied tothe other versions of the apparatus described.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 similar apparatus is shown tothat of FIGS. 11 and 12 and the same reference numbers are applied tosimilar parts. FIG. 13 shows the apparatus ready to receive a chargedcontainer 30 (FIG. 15) and FIG. 14 shows the apparatus in an operationalblending mode.

[0093] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 the apparatus has injectionmeans for injecting carbon dioxide or other material into the containerprior to, during, or after blending. This may be for carbonation of thefood product in the container or for cooling of the product. Carbonationmay be appropriate for products comprising ice and liquid. Cooling maybe appropriate for cooling or freezing product in the container byinjecting, for example, carbon dioxide snow into the product.

[0094] The container used in the apparatus of FIGS. 13 and 14 may haveits lid removed but with a flexible diaphragm seal remaining in placewhich seal can be punctured to inject into the product, or there may bea lid with a frangible opening for injection there through.

[0095] Instead of the locating arm 47 of FIGS. 11 and 12 the apparatusof FIGS. 13 and 14 has a powered restraining plate 15 which is moveableup and down between a securing position (FIG. 14) and a non-securingposition (FIG. 13) by a piston and cylinder device 51 located in themember 46. An injection tube 52 also extends along the member 46 andcommunicates with a reservoir 53 container carbon dioxide or othermaterial. The tube 53 has an outlet 54 carried on the plate 50 anddirected downwardly so that when the plate 50 is lowered towards acontainer 30 the container is located by the plate 50 and the outlet 54enters the container for the injection of material into the container.

[0096] There may be proximity switches to prevent movement of the plate50 if the operator has his hands in the region of the plate. In additionthere may be a housing (not shown) around the apparatus with accessthrough a door. Provision may be made so that the door must be closedbefore the apparatus can operate.

[0097] The outlet 54 is preferably formed of metal tube having asharpened end so as to be able pierce the membrane or other seal overthe container. The outlet 54 may be withdrawn into the plate 50 wheninjection is not required.

[0098] A control valve 56 is provided in the line from the reservoir 53and the tube 52 is flexible to accommodate the up and down movement ofthe plate 50.

[0099] The injection arrangement described may be used to heat up theproduct in the container 30, for example by injecting steam or hot waterfrom the reservoir.

[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 there is shown another embodiment ofblending container generally designated 30 in which the same referencenumbers are used for similar parts in the previously describedembodiments. Thus the container has a body 3 with a base 3A, upwardlydiverging circular cross-section side walls 3B and blending means or animpeller 35. The container has a closure member (not shown) for sealingthe upper open end of the container when filled with product. As beforethe container body is arranged to be nestable in other containers bylocation of the lower narrow end of the body within the upper open endof another container, when empty.

[0101] The lower end of the container is formed with a depending skirtportion 3S and base 3A is formed with a central opening 60 downwardlyfrom which extends walls 61 defining a cylinder 59 of which the internalsurface has a shoulder 62 and provides bearing surfaces for the blendingelement 35.

[0102] The blending element 35 is of injection moulded one-pieceplastics construction and includes a shaft portion 34 and blendingportions 66. The shaft portion 34 is formed with a tapered profile 63 atits free end and a lip 64 behind the wider end of the taper which isarranged, when assembled with the container, to engage behind theshoulder 62 of the opening 60.

[0103] The shaft portion 34 is hollow and defines a recess 65 forreceiving a drive shaft (not shown) of the drive means in drivingconnection with the element 35. For this purpose the opening 65 hasthree axially extending ribs 66 or drive dogs for engaging correspondingslots in the drive shaft.

[0104] The blending portions 66 each comprise generally radiallyextending blades set at 120° from one another about the rotational axisof the element 35, the blades being of relatively sharp profile at theirleading edges, as seen in FIG. 18, tapering outwardly in the rearwardsdirection.

[0105] The portions 66 extend outwards from a central disc portion 67extending at a right angle at the axis of rotation. Towards the radiallyouter edge of the disc portion 67 is formed an annular downwardlyprojecting portion 68 which is arranged, when the element is in positionin the container 30, to engage the upper surface of the base 3A.

[0106] Assembly of the element 35 with the container is by inserting theshaft portion 34 into the opening 65 and pressing it in until the lip 64engaged with the shoulder 62 at which position the annular portion 68engages with the base 3A and the element is securely located in thecontainer for rotation relative thereto.

[0107] The contacting surfaces of the element 35 and the containerprovide bearing surfaces during rotation. In order to improve thebearing quality of such surfaces there may be applied to the element 35,before assembly, lubricant over the relevant surfaces. However it shouldnot be necessary to provide any seals between the bearing surfaces.

[0108] The arrangement of FIGS. 16-18 provides a simple but effectivemeans for making and assembling the blending element and the associatedcontainer body. Since the blending element only has to perform a singleblending operation of, for example, 4-60 seconds duration, albeitusually at high speed, it does not have to have the durability resultingfrom the need for repeated use. However the element should not break ifsubjected to excessive force due, for example, to the product in thecontainer being frozen. The element should have sufficient flexibilityto bend if the torque requirement for blending becomes excessive. Insome arrangements it may even be desirable for the blending element tofuse with the container after a blending operation in order to preventfurther use.

[0109] The lower end of the cylinder 59 is usually sealed with a heatsealed membrane for transit of the filled container and the membrane isremovable or pierced before connection to the drive shaft.

[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 there is shown an assemblyof blender container 30 with a jug 70, seen separately in FIG. 20. Inthis arrangement the blender container 30 may be generally of a similarform to the previously described embodiments. In FIGS. 19 and 20 theillustrated container 30 is of the kind shown in FIG. 15. In thearrangement of FIG. 21 in which the container is located in an invertedposition during blending, the blender 35 is associated with the lid 31of the container. In FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 the reference numbers used arethe same as for the preceding embodiments in relation to similar parts.

[0111] The container of FIGS. 19 and 20 is associated with a jug 70 inthe base of which is a coupling element 71 by which drive is transmittedfrom a drive mechanism in a base unit 72 to the blender 35, which drivemechanism may be as previously described. Alternatively the drivemechanism may be provided by a conventional blender drive unit.

[0112] The coupling element 71 provides coupling between the output fromthe drive mechanism and the blender shaft 34 and may include a clutchmechanism whereby the coupling does not transmit drive if the torquerequired to drive the blender becomes too great due, for example, to theproduct in the container having too viscous a constituency, possibly dueto its being frozen.

[0113] The jug 70is mounted removably or pivotally on the base 72 andthe blending container 30 is removably located within the jug 70 so thatits drive shaft drivingly the locates with the coupling element 71 ofthe jug when in position. The jug 70 has a handle 74 at one side and alid 75 or cover pivoted towards one side at 76, and a lifting extension77 to the opposite side to the pivot 76. By this arrangement the lid 75is raised to give access to insert and remove the container 30.

[0114] The jug 70 also has a slot 78 or slots along its upper edge toenable the container 30 therein to be removed from the jug afterblending.

[0115] In this arrangement the jug 70 provides a holder for thecontainer during blending with a closure in the form of the lid 75, andthe jug 70 is removable from the base 72 for cleaning. The jug 70 mayalso be used to remove the container 30 by lifting them together by useof the handle 74. The jug may be heated by the provision of heaterswithin the jug to thereby heat the container 30 prior to blending, ifnecessary

[0116] In FIG. 21 a similar jug 70 to that of the preceding embodimentis provided whereby an inverted container 30 with the blender 35 in thelid is admitted to the jug, the jug is inverted and a coupling 71 islocated in the lid 75 of the jug. In this case the lid 75 is securedagainst opening by a releasable catch during inversion and blending.

[0117] The arrangement provides means whereby the container 30 can beblended using a conventional blender base, the coupling element 71providing an adaptor for adapting the drive from the blender to thecontainer blending element.

[0118] Aseptically prepared or sterilised containers provideconsiderable advantages in that the filled containers have a relativelylong shelf life without freezing being necessary. In filling containersaseptically hot product may be used at pasteurising temperatures whichassists in ensuring that the container and its contents are asepticallyprepared. To ensure that the container thus filled is secure against anyrisk of the product being exposed to the environment the blenderassembly should be fully sealed against ingress or egress ofcontaminants. For this purpose the blender assembly may be fully sealedat least until blending is to be performed. One way of achieving such aseal is to unite the assembly and the container body with a frangibleweld between the rotatable plastics components and their housing, a sealbeing provided until torque is applied either manually or by the drivemotor to the rotatable component. Alternatively the frangible weld maybe broken by the use of a tool or by engagement with a tool member whenthe container is placed on the drive shaft. The frangible weld islocated to seal the small gap between the cooperating surfaces providedbetween the rotatable component and its housing. In one arrangement aportion of the container is interposed between and connected to each ofan input drive rotor part and an impeller part of the blender. Saidcontainer portion is connected to the main body of the container througha frangible connection which provides the seal between the interior andexterior of the container until the connection is broken. Thisconveniently occurs when driving torque is applied to the blender orotherwise, as previously described.

[0119] The frangible connection may be provided by an annular weakenedregion of thin section.

[0120] The drive motor part and the impeller part may each be drivinglyconnected to each other through said portion of the container by, forexample, welding to the container portion. By this means the containerportion becomes part of the rotatable blender when blending takes placeand said container portion becomes disconnected from the container atsaid frangible connection. Other means, such as a sealing ring, may alsobe provided for this purpose.

[0121] Utilising the container and apparatus of the invention theequipment lends itself to a manufacturing, filling, transportation anddispensing system which has wide application in dispensing foods in ahygienic and cost-effective manner.

[0122] Normally the containers will be manufactured at a manufacturingsite remote from a site at which the containers are charged with theproduct. The containers, being intended for disposal and recycling,should occupy little space during transport to a location at which thecontainers are to be charged. Hence the containers are nestable witheach other, as described, the base of one container being located insideand adjacent the base of another container. The containers, still nestedinside one another, are located for filling by standard fillingmachinery and are de-nested just prior to, during, or after each isfilled. After the containers are filled with food product they aresealed by applying sealing means over the upper filling opening. Thesealing means is preferably a heat sealed lid or a membrane sealed ontothe rim of the upper opening. Alternatively or in addition a clip-onremovable lid is applied to seal the container. In addition the base ofthe container is sealed to prevent any communication between theinternal contents and outside. Such a seal is usually a heat sealedmembrane applied across the drive access in the base of the containerand removable to gain access to drive the blender 32.

[0123] After filling and sealing the container, its contents can becooled and frozen to a low storage temperature. Alternatively thecontainer and its contents may be kept at ambient temperatures afterfilling. The latter would be appropriate when the containers, itscontents and the environment are aseptically controlled and in this casemembrane protection over the upper filling opening and the drive shaftshould be provided. In this case the container and its contents can betransported without freezing but will usually need to be cooled belowfreezing point before the product is blended in order to obtain iceparticles in the product and to obtain a product of the temperaturerequired for consumption, especially if the product is milk shake.However, even with aseptically controlled product, freezing can beundertaken after filling, for quality control purposes.

[0124] Filled containers at frozen or ambient temperatures aretransported to their place of consumption at which the product is to beblended. In the case in which the product is at ambient temperatureduring transport, cooling and, if desired, freezing will be undertakenprior to blending to provide a cold product, with or without ice in it,for consumption.

[0125] In the case in which the product is transported frozen it mayneed to be tempered to higher, but still frozen, temperature prior toblending. This may be done in a tempering cabinet, set at a temperingtemperature, in which the containers are stored and warmed up to adispensing/blending temperature.

[0126] When the product is to be consumed, the container is placed inthe blending apparatus and blending is effected, as described. Blendingmay involve penetration or removal of the seal on the base to access theblender drive. Usually the upper opening remains sealed during blendingexcept when injection into the container is required.

[0127] When blended the product is ready for consumption by piercing theseal or by removing the seal to gain access to the contents by a straw,spoon or by pouring, as required. After consumption from the containerthe empty container is disposed of. Disposal is cost-effective becausethe container is, by its construction, relatively cheap to make, evenwith the in-built blender.

[0128] It will be seen that the blending apparatus offers theopportunity of dispensing blended products in a quick, safe and hygienicenvironment with the possibility of filling containers at a remotelocation or of introducing the product component just prior to blending.The arrangement is cost effective and efficient.

1. A method of dispensing blended food products, such as milk shakes, indisposable containers having integral blending means located internallyof the container, which blending means is drivingly connectable to drivemeans externally of and separate from the container; wherein thecontainer is made, then nested with other containers and transported toa charging location; the containers are de-nested, charged with productingredients at the charging location remote from a dispensing location;the container is sealed to seal the ingredients within the container,the container and its contents are cooled to at least a servingtemperature, the blending means is releasably drivingly connected tosaid drive means at the dispensing location, and the drive means isactuated to cause the blending means to operate and blend theingredients within the container, access is gained to the blended foodproduct within the container whereby to consume said blended productfrom the container, and the container is disposed of.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein each container has an upper open end inwhich another container is nestably locatable and, after de-nestingcontainers the open end of the container acts to receive the productingredients, said open end being sealingly closed after charging thecontainer with said ingredients.
 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2wherein the container has a lower end in which the blending means islocated and access to the blending means is sealed at said lower endwith removable sealing means.
 4. A method according to any one of thepreceding claims wherein the container is partially filled with foodproduct at a charging station whereby to provide space above saidproduct into which the blended product can expand during blending.
 5. Amethod according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealingmeans for the ingredients is arranged to provide access to the blendedcontents after the blending operation, by forming an opening in theseal, or by removing the seal.
 6. A method according to any one of thepreceding claims wherein the container and its contents are cooled aftercharging with ingredients and before transportation in a cooledcondition to another location.
 7. A method according to any one ofclaims 1-5 wherein the ingredients are cooled adjacent the dispensinglocation prior to blending.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein theingredients are cooled by placing the container in refrigeration means,or by adding coolant to the ingredients prior to blending.
 9. A methodaccording to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container,during a blending operation, is located in an upright or in an invertedposition, or in positions intermediate upright and inverted.
 10. Acontainer for use in the method of the invention which comprises anestable vessel having an upper opening through which food productingredients are chargeable into the vessel, sealing means for sealingsaid upper opening and two or more of said vessels are nestable bylocating one inside the other through said upper opening, the containerhaving integral blending means including an impeller rotatable relativeto the container to blend said ingredients within the container,location means for securing the impeller rotatably in the container,drive connection means associated with the impeller and accessibleexternally of the container for driving connection with drive meanswhereby the impeller is rotated, the blending means being permanentlyunited with the container, and the container being constructed to bedisposable after blending and consumption of food product from thecontainer.
 11. Container according to claim 10 wherein said vessel is ofcircular cross-section tapered towards one end whereby to locate andnest two or more vessels inside one another, the narrower end of thevessel being inserted inside the wider upper opening of another vesselto extend adjacent the base thereof.
 12. Container according to claim 10or 11 wherein the scaling means comprises a heat sealable member locatedover the upper opening, and/or a clip-on lid.
 13. Container according toany one of claims 10-12 wherein the sealing means comprises a heatsealable member located over the drive connection means to seal theimpeller against the external atmosphere.
 14. Container according to anyone of claims 11-13 wherein the blending means comprises a shaftcarrying the impeller towards one end and the drive connection meanstowards the other end, the shaft being rotatably journalled with respectto the container.
 15. Container according to claim 1 wherein theblending means is a push fit assembly with the container body with catchmeans to retain the assembly.
 16. Container according to claim 14 or 15comprising bearing surfaces defined between the body of the containerand the impeller shaft.
 17. Container according to any one of claims10-16 wherein the blending means is located in the base of the vesselremote from, the upper opening.
 18. Container according to any one ofclaims 10-16 wherein the blending means is located on a lid defining aclosure means for said upper opening.
 19. A container according to anyone of claims 10-18 wherein the sealing means for said upper openingdefines means for accessing the contents of the container and isremovable or has a region which is openable.
 20. A container accordingto any one of claims 10-19 wherein the vessel is constructed to be thinwalled, injection moulded plastics whereby the vessel is disposable. 21.Food blending apparatus comprising a container including a nestablevessel having an tipper opening through which food product ingredientsare chargeable into the vessel, sealing means for scaling said upperopening, two or more vessels being nestable within one another bylocating one inside the other through said upper opening, the containerhaving integral blending means within the container including animpeller for blending the ingredients within the container, locationmeans for securing the blending means rotatably in the container, drivemeans, drive connection means associated with the impeller andaccessible externally of the container for driving connection with thedrive means, a mounting for mounting the container and incorporating thedrive means, whereby upon mounting the container on the mounting meansin driving connection with the drive means the impeller is rotatable,the mounting means providing a seating for the container duringblending.
 22. Blending apparatus according to claim 21 wherein theseating has a portion shaped according to the external shape of thecontainer whereby supporting the side walls of the container duringblending.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 comprising a supportfor the upper end of the container during blending which is removablyengageable with said upper end.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 23wherein said support incorporates injection means for injecting air,coolant or other additive to the ingredients during blending. 25.Apparatus according to any one of claims 21-24 comprising filling meansat a charging location for charging product into the container, coolingmeans for cooling the container and associated food products, and sealapplying means for applying a seal to the upper open end of thecontainer.
 26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 25 whereinthe blending means is an assembly with the nestable vessel, the blendingmeans being a push fit into an opening and the inter-engaging surfacesprovide the bearing surfaces during rotation of the blending meansrelative to the vessel.
 27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21to 26 comprising jug means for enclosing the container in a blendingposition, and coupling means carried by the jug means and for couplingsaid impeller and said drive means whereby drive is transmitted betweenthe drive means and the impeller during blending.
 28. Apparatusaccording to claim 27 wherein the jug means includes a handle forlifting the jug means, and the jug means has internal dimensions toreceive the container as a fit inside the jug means.
 29. Apparatusaccording to claim 27 or 28 wherein the jug means comprises lid meansfor closing the jug after entry of the container into the jug means. 30.Apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the couplingmeans is located in the base of the jug means or in a closure member forthe upper end of the jug means.
 31. Food blending apparatussubstantially as described with reference to the drawings.
 32. Fooddispensing and blending container substantially as described withreference to the drawings.